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Published on: October 21, 2021
Postnatal development of the human hippocampal formation
Ricardo Insausti1, Sandra Cebada-Sánchez, Pilar Marcos
1Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, CRIB, Fac. Medicina, Albacete, Spain. ricardo.insausti@uclm.es
Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology
|March 25, 2010
Summary
The human hippocampal formation (HF) is present at birth, with significant structural changes occurring in the first year. Postnatal development shapes this brain region, crucial for memory and cognitive functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The human hippocampal formation (HF) is vital for cognitive functions, including autobiographical memory.
- Understanding its postnatal development is crucial for addressing pediatric pathologies affecting child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail key developmental milestones of the human hippocampal formation (HF) from birth to adolescence.
- To correlate structural development with the emergence of psychological capabilities.
- To establish anatomical landmarks for MRI identification during postnatal development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 21 human brains (27 gestational weeks to 14 years) using Nissl staining.
- Serial sectioning and thionin staining for structural analysis.
- Postmortem MRI imaging for correlation with anatomical findings.
Main Results:
- All HF fields are identifiable at birth (around 40 gestational weeks).
- The dentate gyrus and entorhinal cortex undergo major changes during the first postnatal year.
- Significant growth occurs in all HF components, particularly the body and tail, throughout childhood and adolescence.
- Postmortem MRI provided identifiable landmarks for HF structures.
Conclusions:
- The human hippocampal formation (HF) exhibits distinct developmental trajectories post-birth.
- Early postnatal development is critical for HF maturation and associated cognitive functions.
- MRI-based anatomical landmarks aid in studying HF development in vivo.
